Fred L. Peterson, PhD, Child, Adolescent, and School Health, The University of Texas at Austin, 2100 San Jacinto Blvd, Bellmont Hall 222, Austin, TX 78712, 512-471-4405, fpeterson@mail.utexas.edu and Lisa M. Walker, MA, Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Campus Mall Code: A2700, SEA 2.412, Austin, TX 78712.

Recent studies indicate increasing occurrence of youth gambling problems. Gambling is prevalent among adolescents from as early as the elementary school years. Pathological gambling is emerging as an important and destructive youth risk-taking behavior and public health issue. There is evidence that gambling causes personal, emotional, and financial difficulties for those involved, and places a significant burden on society. Early initiation of gambling behavior in adolescents has also been linked to other risk-taking behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse. Research suggests that adolescents may be more susceptible to problem gambling than adults. While there are reports of pathological gambling beginning as early as age 9 or 10 in some children, the problem goes unnoticed due to lack of observable signs. The study of gambling disorder in adolescent populations is important in the development of early interventions for this problem. Various factors have been implicated in the onset and maintenance of gambling in adolescents. Some studies point to various family and environmental factors, while others show evidence of a neurobiological basis for adolescent vulnerability to pathological gambling. The purpose of this session is to provide a broad overview of the bio-psycho-sociology of adolescent gambling behavior for integration into the design of educational interventions. Theories of risk-taking applicable to gambling behavior such as Irwin and Millstein’s Causal Model, Jessor’s Problem Behavior Model, and Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Model will be translated into specific ideas for integration into school and community health prevention and intervention programs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Recognize the importance of youth gambling as an emerging and destructive risk-taking behavior and public health issue.
• Review the biological, psychological, and social determinants of adolescent problem gambling.
• Identify and discuss behavioral theories of adolescent risk-taking (Sensation Seeking, Problem Behavior, Causal Model) that may assist in the design and implementation of school and community health prevention programs.
• Design specific learning strategies for primary and secondary prevention for school age youth.

Keywords: Risk Behavior, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.